Work to reopen the Beaminster Tunnel has been delayed and will now not meet its original opening deadline of May. Two people died when their car was buried in a landslip at the tunnel in July last year.

The work, which is expected to cost £2.1 million is up to five weeks behind schedule. It is not now due to be completed until June or July. A spokesman from Dorset County Council commented:

We know this is devastating news for the community, and it is certainly not what we had foreseen happening.The design process is complex and does take time. It is extremelyimportant that we get it right.